2025 NFL Combine results: 11 standouts from the edge rusher group

Taking a closer look at the edge rushers that performed well at the 2025 NFL Combine.

The interior defensive linemen kicked off the televised coverage of the 2025 NFL Combine on Thursday and were followed by the edge rushers. While not every edge rusher invited to the Combine participated—four of 12 edge rushers we previewed did not—but in a deep class, there were still several players who stood out.

Let’s take a look.

Top 5 standouts

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (6-foot-5, 245 pounds)
4.47 40-yard dash, 1.56 10-yard split

The hooded bandit set the Combine on fire with a blazing 4.47 40-yard dash and an effortless showing in on-field drills. His movement skills put him in strong contention to be the second edge rusher off the board. Pearce was a natural mover, especially in the four-bag agility drill, where his rapid “typewriter” footwork stood out. He glided through the bags and changed direction with the same ease he uses to beat offensive tackles. His 10-inch hands were an added bonus, reinforcing his other elite traits.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College (6-foot-2 ¹⁄₂, 248 pounds)
No runs, 35.5-inch vertical jump, 9-foot-11 broad jump

Ezeiruaku may have skipped the 40-yard dash, but he put on a clinic in the agility drills, leading all edge rushers with a 4.19-second short shuttle and a 6.94-second three-cone drill. His three-cone time was the fastest for an edge rusher since Aidan Hutchinson and Travon Walker in 2022, and it translated seamlessly to the on-field workouts. Ezeiruaku’s fluid change of direction stood out, and his explosive first step was on full display during the pass rush drills, where he consistently fired off the line like a cannon.

Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (6-foot-5, 267 pounds)
4.59 40-y/d, 1.58 10-y/d, 40-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-11 broad jump

After being listed at 290 pounds this season at Texas A&M , Stewart’s workout put to rest any speculation about a future at defensive tackle in the NFL. Despite tweaking his hamstring on his second 40-yard dash and missing the on-field drills, he showcased the elite athleticism of a prototypical specimen on the edge. His explosive 40-inch vertical—ranking as the fourth-highest for a 260+ pound edge rusher since 2006—and a group-best 10’11” broad jump (98th percentile for edge rushers since 1999) highlight the raw power and burst that will translate to running through the face of offensive tackles.

Landon Jackson, Arkansas (6-foot-6, 264 pounds)
4.68 40-y/d, 1.65 10-y/d, 40.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-9 broad jump

Jackson couldn’t have asked for a better night, as the towering edge rusher likely made himself a lot of money with his Combine performance. He went toe-to-toe with Shemar Stewart in the explosive testing, posting a 40.5-inch vertical—the second-highest for a 260+ pound edge rusher since 2006, trailing only former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams. His 10’9” broad jump was second among all edge rushers, just behind Stewart. For a leggy 6-foot-6 player, Jackson displayed impressive fluidity in agility drills, maintaining smooth balance throughout. He even excelled in the final mimic drill, showing surprising comfort when dropping into space. After a performance like that, his stock is on the rise.

Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (6-foot-4, 260 pounds)
Only did on-field drills

Sawyer’s Combine stock took an early hit due to his 31 ³⁄₄-inch arm length and his decision to skip the 40-yard dash. However, once the on-field drills began, he quickly made up ground. Always in control, he showcased strong core stability, efficient footwork, and squared movements throughout each drill. A true technician, Sawyer was even asked by on-field coaches to demonstrate drills for the group—further proof of his fundamentally sound approach. His precise hand placement, head and eyes consistently looking up, and attention to detail reinforced exactly the kind of player he is: polished, disciplined, and reliable.

Quick thoughts on others who impressed

Olwafemi Oladejo, UCLA (6-foot-3, 259)

The converted stand-up linebacker unsurprisingly looked like a UFO with his comfortability in space. When charging downhill, he had the force of an imposing bowling ball, and his 36.5-inch vertical jump (82nd percentile) backed up that explosiveness.

Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (6-foot-3, 257 pounds)

Scourton’s draft stock got a boost with his on-field drills after a down year at Texas A&M. He showcased impressive hip flexibility, pop in change of direction, and the ability to maintain speed while bending the corner.

Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (6-foot-4 ¹⁄₂, 244 pounds)

While Umanmielen’s change-of-direction skills in on-field drills left something to be desired, his straight-line explosiveness checked plenty of boxes. He posted the fourth-best vertical and broad jumps in the group and showcased his ability to cover ground efficiently, building speed with powerful strides.

David Walker, Central Arkansas (6-foot-1, 263)

The compact FCS All-American glided through drills, maintaining his low center of gravity with controlled, choppy steps. His performance reinforced the idea that he could carve out a role as a situational odd-front pass rusher who can also be trusted to drop into zone coverage when needed.

Ashton Gillotte, Louisville (6-foot-2 ¹⁄₂, 264)

The high school state champion level weightlifter looked primed to deliver crushing hits during on-field drills. A CrossFit enthusiast, he never showed signs of fatigue, using his short, forceful strides to build a full head of steam—something reinforced by his impressive 36 ¹⁄₂-inch vertical leap.

Jordan Burch, Oregon (6-foot-4, 279 pounds)

One of the heaviest edge rushers at the Combine, Burch turned heads ripping off a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, the seventh-fastest among the group (79th percentile). Despite his mythical creature size, he moved with silky smoothness, showcasing efficient footwork, minimal wasted movement, and accurate hand usage on the dummy bags.